Strasbourg, 13 March 2025 – The European Parliament today adopted a critical resolution addressing the severe political, humanitarian, and human rights crisis in Sudan, with a particular focus on the alarming levels of sexual violence and child rape. The resolution, passed at midday in Strasbourg, calls for an immediate ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, and targeted sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations. This landmark decision comes as a result of persistent advocacy efforts led by the International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD), which has worked extensively to raise awareness and push for concrete action on Sudan within EU institutions.
A Humanitarian Catastrophe
Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal war, displacing 13 million people and leaving millions in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. The healthcare system has largely collapsed, exacerbating food insecurity, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks. Reports from UNICEF indicate that sexual violence, particularly against children, has become a weapon of war, with 221 cases of child rape documented since January 2024 and an estimated 12.1 million people at risk of gender-based violence, including forced marriages.
European Parliament’s Strong Response
In its resolution, the European Parliament strongly condemns the widespread atrocities committed by both the SAF and RSF, calling on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and fulfill their commitments under the Jeddah peace process. The resolution demands safe, timely, and unhindered access for humanitarian organizations, particularly the World Food Programme, to provide life-saving aid to civilians.
Furthermore, the Parliament calls for targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights violations, specifically naming Abdel Raheem Hamdan Dagalo, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti,” and Abu Aqla Keikel. It urges the European Council and Commission to take action against all entities violating the UN arms embargo on Darfur and to support its expansion to cover all of Sudan. The resolution also reaffirms support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur, while encouraging the deployment of an international mission to protect civilians, monitor human rights, and investigate cases of sexual violence.
Addressing the Role of Foreign Actors
While the resolution does not go into full detail about the involvement of foreign nations in fueling the conflict, previous drafts by political groups explicitly mentioned the role of countries such as the UAE, Russia, and Saudi Arabia in supplying arms. Political groups including the Greens, the Left, and Renew Europe had pushed for a stronger stance against arms exports to Sudan, highlighting that weapons from China, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Yemen, and the UAE are being imported into the war-torn country.
IFRD’s Key Role in Pushing for Action
The adoption of this resolution marks a significant achievement for IFRD’s advocacy work. Through sustained engagement with Members of the European Parliament, awareness campaigns, and direct lobbying efforts, IFRD has played a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of Sudanese civilians and victims of war crimes are heard at the highest levels of European decision-making.
“This resolution is a major step toward accountability and humanitarian relief in Sudan, but much more remains to be done. IFRD will continue its work to ensure these commitments are implemented and that those responsible for atrocities face justice,” said Gamaal El Attar, Executive Director of IFRD.
Next Steps
The resolution has been officially forwarded to the European Council, the European Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Sudanese authorities, the African Union, the United Nations Secretary-General, and the Pan-African Parliament for urgent action.
IFRD calls on the EU and international community to take immediate steps to enforce this resolution, ensure accountability for human rights violations, and increase humanitarian assistance to those in dire need across Sudan and neighboring regions.
For media inquiries, please contact:
[IFRD Press Office]
Email: [info@ifrd.be]
Website: [www.IFRD.be]
